Triumphrat

momini · 05-18-2006

When adjusting the chain for slack, does it matter whether it is on the side stand or on a lift? It does not seem to me that load should make a difference when adjusting given the pivot of the rear arm should keep the relation between the sprockets the same - but wanted to make sure. Thanks.
Tom

RoundSlide · 05-18-2006

Owner's manual says on the sidestand.

mecscc · 05-18-2006

Its easier and potentially more accurate with a lift or a center stand. You can spin the chain and look for stretched sections, check the sprockets for wear easier and, if you have to adjust it, the wheel moves easier. Plus you can line up the chain easier either by sight or with a stretched string. On the side stand you have to assume that the current alignment is correct. That is often not a good assumption, particularly given the poor quality of some dealer setup these days. The guys that are assigned to put together bikes are not often the top mechanics.

Can you do it on a side stand? Sure. But I wouldn't.

Monte

EnglishBaz · 05-18-2006

I reckon that a centre stand or a lift would be great for spinning the chain to check if any links are seized or stiffening up

but I was taught at my bike school that if you measure the chain with the rear wheel off the ground and then tighten accordingly - when the wheel goes back on the ground the chain will be over tight

so the chain should always be measured and adjusted with the wheel on the ground

momini · 05-18-2006

Thanks for the replies - The manual does say on the side stand, but also says to measure at the point of least play - this strikes me as hard to determine by measuring, move the bike a bit, measure, etc etc. That is why I ask about using my stand.

joeswamp · 05-18-2006

This is one of those situations where a rear/race stand is really convenient, because you can spin the rear wheel but the weight is still on the swingarm.

FattRat · 05-18-2006

Of course the manual will suggest you put your bike on it's side-stand...... it doesn't come with a center-stand!

And I too was taught to adjust the chain with the weight it is expected to carry in mind. If I'm running solo, I might ask a buddy to sit on my bike for me so I can check the slack. I might also adjust accordingly if I plan to carry the additional weight of luggage and a passenger....

mecscc · 05-18-2006

You have a good point, Baz. I guess I should have said what I do, which is to keep the slack about 1/2 to 3/4" more than the book says so that when back down on the ground it will not be too tight. And, again I should have said this, when I am done I check the chain with the bike fully on the ground.

While I am mentioning what I forgot to mention, let me say that you are always better off with a slightly loose chain than a too tight one. A chain has to be really loose to fly off, but one that is too tight can do some nasty damage to the whole system.

Monte

RedBird · 05-18-2006

Until you are real familiar with a particular bike, it is always best to go by the book. I measure on the side stand and adjust on the center stand. I have found that the measurement on the center stand for my '03 T-100 is only about 1/8" looser than the measurement on the side stand. I like to run my chain at 1.25" slack, so I set it on the center stand at a little more than 1.25" and it is about where I want it when I measure it on the side stand. The last time I took it to the dealer for maintenance, the mechanic set the chain slack at 3/4"--this is the last time that mechanic touches my bike!

Larry

runtheton · 05-18-2006

always check your adjustment when you are sitting on the bike. have a friend sit on it if you like.
fine where the chain is most slack and that should be on the bottom side then adjust each side evenly
a 1/8 of a turn one side and an 1/8 of a turn the other
good luck
rtt

[ This message was edited by: runtheton on 2006-05-23 21:10 ]